ITEC courses have further strengthened Oman-India friendship: Dr Saidi

Muscat: About 100 officials and professionals from diverse sectors participated in the ‘Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation’ event organised by the Embassy of India, Muscat,  on December 14.

Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health, Sultanate of Oman was the Chief Guest on this occasion.

The function was organised in the Embassy premises  and ITEC alumni from Oman, who have participated in various training courses in India under ITEC Programme during previous years were among the officials and professionals who attended.

The function was also attended by many other officials from various Omani authorities/agencies, looking after training aspects of their employees. In his address, Dr. Al Saidi lauded close relations between India and Oman.

He mentioned that participation of a large number of Omani nationals in various ITEC courses in India over the years had further strengthened the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, noted that over the years, ITEC Programme has received a good response in the Sultanate and hundreds of Omani Officials have taken part in ITEC courses.

The Ambassador conveyed his appreciation to the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Ministries and Organisations in Oman for their support in implementation of the ITEC Programme in Oman.

The Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme was launched in September 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance of the Government of India for capacity building of friendly developing countries.

It has emerged as a key vehicle for India’s contribution to Human Resource Development of partner countries. Under ITEC Programme, officials from more than 160 countries from Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean as well as Pacific and Small Island countries are invited to benefit from India’s developmental experience.

The ITEC Programme offers over 14,000 courses annually covering diverse range of subjects from traditional areas like agriculture, SMEs, management, English language to IT, Science & Technology, biotechnology, etc. The skills which are being provided under ITEC Programme facilitate human resource development, capacity building, skill upgradation and empowerment.

The ambassador stressed that the Government of India is a strong partner in Oman’s journey to achieve objectives of ‘Oman Vision 2040’ for which Government of India’s ITEC programme can be a key facilitator.

Specialised training, human resource development and skill upgradation is an integral part of this journey for which ITEC is an ideal platform.

He committed that special customized courses can be organised dedicated for Omani candidates in their areas of interest.

The ITEC Day provided an opportunity to the ITEC Alumni, who have trained in India under this Programme, to get together at the Embassy to interact among themselves and share their experiences.

They spoke about the benefits of ITEC courses not only in providing knowledge and expertise but in giving them an opportunity to interact with trainees from other countries and learn more about India and its culture and traditions.

In the coming year, cooperation between Oman and India under the ITEC platform will be strengthened keeping in mind the needs and priorities of the Government of Oman under Oman’s ‘Vision 2040’.